Kevin Aucoin product review; Skin enhancer, Sculpting powder, Liquid and Powder Highlights, Bronzing Powder

All the products I tried from Kevin Aucoin are sample sizes I purchased from So Choix website(sochoix.com).  I have used them for 3 weeks before this review.

First product is Kevin Aucoin skin enhancer. I ordered the shade in SX5.  This color is about 2 tones light for my skin.  Kevin Aucoin is one of those brands I consider designed for professionals.  The foundations come in wide range of colors and it is a bit bitch to find your own shade.  Unfortunately, online swatches do not help much because the color descriptions are not universally adjustable. There is no one "light beige with yellow undertone".  There are at least five shades fall within that category. So, in that case, sampling the product is a must.
                                           
This is a cream foundation with matte finish. It feels a lot like Graftobian HD cream foundation but thinner.  It has a medium to full coverage but if you have considerable pigmentation on your skin like acne scars, you will need a concealer. I would not go for a second layer with this foundation because a smidgen much makes this foundation cake up.

If cream foundations work best for your skin, there are three steps you need to follow with this product for a smooth, long lasting finish:

• This is a professional degree product like the ones designed for stage, cinema, tv.... So, even if you have oily skin, make sure your skin is moisturized thoroughly.  Jojoba oil and heavy sunscreen can be risked as a base. 
• With this foundation, you need to apply as little as possible.  When you have a slippery, well moisturized base, it is going to help the product glide on.  I found that hands or moistened sponge works best when applying this product.   I also spray MAC Fix+ on damp sponges.
• You need a loose setting powder with this product. I also found that the setting powder should be pressed over this product with a moisten sponge as well.  If you swipe the powder over the foundation with a brush, it removes the product, and causes product to cake up.  

Overall, I think this is a great product to invest in if you prefer cream foundations over powders, liquids, or mousy textured foundations.  If applied correctly, it has a smooth,velvety, matte finish and it last for 6 to 8 hours even on my very oily skin. As a reminder, I use jojoba oil and la roche posey SPF 60 (mineral) sunscreen under the foundation.  

However, I will not invest on the full size myself.  It is a little bit better than Graftobian HD creams but I am soo used to using a foundation palette. My color changes drastically from summer to winter and foundation palette give me a lot of options to custom match my shade, contour, and highlight.  If this product ever comes on a palette though, I would jump on it. 

 Second product is Kevin Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium.  It only 

comes in Medium though.  I am so happy that I tried this product because this product was the entire reason, I got interested in this brand. When I use it to contour my cheeks, it simply looked like DIRT. I hated the product on my cheeks.

However, it gave me the most flattering nose contour ever. The powder it self is very smooth and fine. You need little bit again but do not worry about over doing it because the access can easily be blended . I believe, the sample will last me quite a while. I have been using it for three weeks now and I have not hit the pan yet. I will buy the full size of this. 

Next sampled product is the Celestial Powder in Candlelight. Ok, this is going to sound dull but it is the best highlighting powder ever, as if there can be such a thing.  This is very age proper, down to earth powder.  It will give you a lift, youth, and sophistication. It is a sheer highlight with a hint of gold. It become my everyday essential right away.  If you are into heavy highlights, this one is not for you.  But it is the best thing ever, if you are looking for a highlighter to wear to work and want people wondering what it is about you. I am definitely getting this one. 

And of course, I had to try the liquid version too.  I am not impressed with this one.  I use liquid highlights to mix with my foundations to improve the texture and finish of the foundation.  It became a habit now because even though I like matte finish, it also may look dull.  Adding a bit of highlight to cream foundations takes away the dullness without interfering with their oil control properties.  For that, I love Becca shimmering skin perfectors in liquid forms.  

This one, like the powder version, is very subtle.  It was useless to mix it with foundation because it was undetectable.  If you are looking for a liquid highlight only to highlight unlike me, this is perfect.  You can also use it as a base to intensify powder highlight.   But, I prefer powder highlights for spot highlighting, simply because it is easier to control the application of the product.  Great product but I will pass.  It did not serve my needs.

Ok, last one and THE ONE: Celestial Bronzing Veil in Tropical Nights. This one is a true, cool toned, chocolate bronzer with a hint of champagne shimmer. It seems very unique to me. There is not smidgen of orange tones in it. It is almost like dark chocolate bronzer mixed with Becca moonstone highlighter.    When I put this product on, it is so good that I do not want to put a blush or contour.  They nailed this one. I am getting it. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Self-Made palette- Review and Quick Demo

I find ABH palettes to be more of a collectors item at this point.  They are very affordable based on the quality and tasteful arrangement of colors.  If you do not want to break the bank with the original sizes or would like to try before you make the commitment, these are not a bit less shy in color pay off in comparison with the original pans.  And I guess this is why I do not want to miss any one of the ABH palettes; there is not one single wanna be in the palette.

Ok, get this if you can; but it is not a must have.  Even though the arrangement is great, you may already have similar colors if not the same ones. The colors are not ground breaking-- all of them I have seen and actually used before.  But if you are a last-minute, pack-minimal traveler or need to be at work at 8:00 am daily, this palette covers all occasions.  It has matte, sheen, glitter, and has right dose of fun colors while also staying within the earthy, wearable range.

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it!!!

What happened to me?  Have I been hit by a truck?? Finally, fresh air after 9 weeks of smelly bed rest.

I was soo focused on finally getting pregnant.  Thus, I assumed the rest is going to be walk in the park.

Well, how would I guess about bleeding due to hematomas, placenta separations, more progesterone shuts, hyperemesis, insomnia and the constipation.  Yet, this has been the most amazing time of my life. For most, we are witnessing one stubborn embryo, who is surviving against all odds; I had to have progesterone shuts daily about three weeks due to nasty hematoma,   I have been in bed rest because of 40% placenta separation from uterus and suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum  which made me lost over 20 lbs in over a month.  At times, I was put to sleep for hours and fed with a drip system.  At the end of week 15, I am eating half a jar of Nutella thanks to oral meds.  

Bottom line is, even though tiring and emotionally exhausting at times, now I am beginning to understand what it is like to worry for a being other than yourself.  My body has been through a lot and all I can think of is the baby's health. I also grow soo much appreciation for my body.  I did not know how much it can handle, how far it can carry me. It still amazes me.  I used to hate my hips but all the time I could not eat, the baby was consuming my stocks.  Soo I am glad I saved all those potato fries on my hips.  They proved to be useful???
Well, we will see.

Best part of bed rest is online shopping and catching up with Youtube videos.  I come across lots of inspiring videos and acquired some very necessary makeup items.  I am looking forward to share as soon as I get back my energy which is building rapidly.  Soon!!!!!!

Focus on your hobby, relax your mind!!!!!

I have been away for ages again: almost two weeks now to be exact.  And yes, it was for a second cycle of ivf round. Injections, and egg collections, and frozen embryos, and wait, and the transfer, and wait.....This time positive. Up until now, all the hustle and frustration was just for the good news.  How would I now that the fear of losing it will overcome all the happiness????

The craziness started with the transfer of my healthy embryo.  I got obsessed with anything that comes out of my body within the last two weeks and I am glad we do not have a microscope at home.  Otherwise, I would be mad.  Right now, I am not totally lost.  With the help of my beloved ones, I come to a conclusion that, it would be amazing to continue our journey with a child, but at this point there is nothing else we can do anymore other than wishing for the best.

Obsessing over things that are way out of your control is a bad and consuming thing.  So what I should do not to check my panties for a smidgen of blood every hour????  Focus on HOBBIES.   Yes, more make up.

It is not wise for me to shop for anymore makeup at this stage in my life simply because  I am already in huge debt due to my treatments. Yes I know-- I will not look this fabulous ever again and I sincerely want everything form:

• Colour Pop ( even though some colors are shit) 
• Makeup Geek ( the most awesome powder formulation)
• Anastasia Beverly Hills ( the most trendy, makes me feel like part of the gorgeousness gang)

But is there really an end to this list?  C'mon!!!

So going back to shopping my stash tomorrow once I get my hair and eyebrow situation under control. I decided that small does of chemicals are less harmful that my fear.  I should do a video about "SHopping my Stash".  And to get ideas, I should watch "shopping my stash" videos.  See, time occupied.

I hope you all have positive, calm, experienced people around you and strong will to overcome your struggles!!!  Have a wonderful one!!!

Finding Your Signature Look

Literally this is my favorite picture. I look a little bit shocked because I actually was, on how awesome this make up turned out.  It was also fairly quick.   For the first time, I felt like: "Yes, this is exactly how I want my make up to look most of the time".  My self esteem was sky high that day. Of course, I needed to share.

I understand now how important it is to find your own signature look.  Your own secrets; either contouring the nose or putting foundation to your lips as a nude lipstick.   It is always fascinating to me how the most glamorous actresses of Hollywood stick to their styles throughout the years and still known with their signature looks like Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot.  

Of course we are more experimental with colors and styles these days.  But it is also important to find your own look that "wows" you and also feels effortless to carry for hours.   

My signature look for myself consist of:

• Contouring the nose and cheeks with the color Sienna from Graftobian. Now, I love to contour and it really makes a big difference.
• I realized, I do not like color on my lips unless it is some vampy color like burgundy or wine red. For my lips :dark foundation on the sides and light foundation in the inner part and nude gloss is what I love the most. 
• Gold highlight suits my color best. If highlight is detectable on my face than it does not look good on me. Highlighting  the tip of my nose is a step I should not skip.  
• Lining just the outer corner of the water line with a dark color and the rest with a highlight color gives my eyes lifted effect. 
• Going dark and bold under the lower lash line provides an amazing dept to the eye makeup. 
• Powder over my cream foundation makes my skin look perfect. Matte, smooth, and poreless. But if left too long, I end up with clogged pores and breakouts. 

Here is the eye look with eyeshadows from Colour Pop.  The formulation is the bestie for me.    

Does anybody know a truly gentle and effective eye makeup remover?  I have super sensitive eyes after LASIK eye surgery.  

Colour Pop Cosmetics Review

Ok,  it has only been a week since I got my hands on to 11 of their mousse eye shadows.  There are swatches of colors inside my sleepy video.  The colors are bill, intoxicate, jet, mooning, drift, fairfax, lace, nillionaire, mittens, game face, and down town.

I used these products over a week now.  And here are my highlights:

• The products have a moussy texture so make sure you use them with clean hands or brushes
• It is recommended to use hands for ultimate color pay off but I found that synthetic brushes work just fine.  I prefer Ecotools brushes
• For decent color pay off and for product to stay put, you need a primer.  To be honest,  UD primer potion is NOT NOT NOT a good primer for this product because it makes blending very difficult and it make the product patchy.  I find that foundation and some powder on top just works perfectly as a primer to this product. The eye shadows last hours without creasing.   
• Having said that, the product crease on me once because I run errands ove two hours under 97 degrees without sunglasses
• The products dries to a stain finish.  It is much different that powder looks.
• This product is something to invest for hooded eyes because the colors do not transfer into each other and they do not lose their intensity.They stay just like freshly applied. 

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and I will definitely invest more.  They are not like buttery smooth powder shadows.  I must say the use is not as easy as powders and the more colors you use the more difficult blending becomes but if you have hooded eyes like me, I believe you will like this. Less colors but hell of a smokey eye all day long. 

And stain finish is just sexy.  I already filmed my next eye look with Colour Pop Cosmetics.  Stay tuned!!!!

Garftobian HD Cream Foundation Review and Application

Hello Bebes,


I feel absolutely fabulous every time I use this foundation palette. It is Graftobian foundation palette in Warm.

I have been using it for six months now and finally got a chance to write about it.

This palette is definitely my go to day and night as long as I have the time because you need some preparation and application time. It is not one of these slab on products.

The foundation melts to touch but keep in mind that this foundation has a drier texture.  After all, Graftobian produces for tv, cinema, and stage makeup.

• First of all you need to moisturize your skin really good. For example, I have oily skin and I use jojoba oil underneath this foundation. 
• When applying, keep in mind that you need the tiniest amount especially if you will use the palette for contour and highlight as well. Remember, each coat takes you closer to cakey look which is nightmare finish
• Do not attempt to apply the foundation with a wet sponge.  IT disappears. The dumb sponge is okay for pressing the foundation.  I use it for pressing the highlight color and setting powder.  For the first layer and contour, I use brushes.
• When choosing a setting powder, make sure that it is a fine powder specifically for setting.
•  Setting sprays are okay to add luminosity or to achieve the dewy finish but I like the matte finish sooo much.

This foundation last very nicely for 4 to 6 hours.  You may need touch up later on.  I usually wear it 8 to 10 hours and even without retouching, it does not feel heavy or disgusting.  The color never transforms into orange y or ashy looking.  

Fantastic!!!!

Tough decision

I sat down to write a review about some matte eye shadows but my fingers are typing about something else.  Inside feelings need to be poured out first.

Today is a Mother's Day and I had a rough one.  I used to be hiding away from Valentine's Day.  Now I am afraid of  the Mother's Day.  Me and my husband's affords of a child have been failing for considerable amount of time now.  Especially after a failed ivf, I have been changing drastically.  I am angry.  I m angry that my body is failing me, I am angry that these procedures, medications, doctor's visits cost a fortune, I am angry that I do not have the money to spend on these things at this age, I am angry that we are manipulated and keep putting our selves into more debt. Especially I can not stand the combination of two words: "what if".

According to statistics,the age 35 is the magic number. By the age of 35, you have better chance of pregnancy with ivf and end up with a successful birth. No need to mention, your chance of pregnancy increases with repetition.  I am about to expire in five months.

And all I want to do is save our money and go to Italy with my husband.   But instead, we are going to see another doctor this month. New consultation fee and new uncovered blood tests and ultrasounds are on the way.  With all my heart, I do not want to do it. But again, what if it would be too late after Italy????

Business Like

Ohhh SHittttt!  Time flies and I am still clueless.

Writing helps to relax the mind and synchronize body clock with the ????---well, 'day time' I guess.  My mind attacks me with stress, most powerful destroyer known to me.  Now I own my business (actually not business yet) which means I have to be creative.  Web site contents, presenting self, flyers, brochures,selling, regulations,.... And believe me, it is not as simple as paying someone else to do these for you when you are not able to give directions for the destination. Plus, I own a micro budget and stubborn self.

Ok, we all know that we will have glorious lives if we end up doing what we love.  Well good luck finding that.  I love makeup , Argentine Tango, Books (occasionally), Travels (all the time, anywhere), but THE JOBBBB could not make it to the list yet.  I am tired of asking my self about what I love to do. So I changed the questions.  What should I do to love what I do, BRO????

It was shocking to me how nervous I get when it comes to introducing my academic/professional self just for thirty seconds.  I can talk hours about makeup, my travels but I can not talk about my business for thirty seconds. So does that mean I am not passionate about my own business, WHAT ??????

In this economy, in which you end up spending money for clean air, if you quit your job because you were losing it, ended up spending some of your savings to face post-quitting stress, and invest the rest to build you own company, it can not be that you hate what you do.  I consider this to be lack of motivation.

It is not that I do not like it but it feels like there is nothing interesting to talk about it. And I think I figured out a little bit of why.  I do not spend time learning new things about my business and I do not put any efforts to improve it.

Breaking it to pieces.

For example, I love makeup.  It is a hobby to me.  I spent hours looking at different colors, textures, application techniques, reading new brands, watching Youtubers.  Pay attention to spending hours part.  Mine goes beyond making smart choices based on product reviews or watching gorgeous people put on bronzer. I also do videos putting my make up on. Because I learn and try many things, I want to share it. Just to do that, I had to fix my old camera, find a good lighting, paint a 400 sq. ft. room by myself, learned to use a free editing program, and figure out an angle to take selfies (do you know how long it took? FOREVER). Barely anybody watches them but I keep doing them. In other words, if you are doing something because you enjoy doing it, you do not need anybody's approval to continue doing it. Motivation comes from within.

So I decided to grow up a little bit on the business side.  I am focused on presenting my company (30 sec to 3 min introduction), elevator pitch, improving my website, and work on some kick ass flyers. I have a lot of reading and research to do.  All of a sudden, I am busy now but soon I am going to review Kryolan.  

Bye.

Milani fresh face

What fresh face?  I am so tired that I even forgot to post my video.  Writing proposals over and over and not a word from potential clients yet.  But anyways, I am only hungry for makeup and it does not kill you.

I am impressed by Milani Cosmetics.  The brand has a new addict.  Congratulations!

You have to watch my video for the names and numbers.  Sorry.  But I put a 15% coupon code.

Foundation, powder, and mascara are well exceeding my expectations.  Especially the dark, true taupe face powder is to dye for contouring.  

Lipsticks (not the new matte line) have a slightly frosty finish with a formula on the drier side.  To be honest, I feel the need to slap on gloss.  Together with the gloss the finish looks amazing. The gloss brings out the best of the glitters in the texture and eliminate the dryness.

I am not able to say much about the eye shadows. Because, again, I picked the most natural shades.  
If you use the shadows with a fix plus, the end result will be more intense/glittery.  The black #12 is dream to work with.  Surprisingly does not fade throughout the day.

I use the concealer stick as a foundation.  It glides on which is not a good phrase to describe concealer because with same ease it glides off.  I do not know though.  I never liked concealers all that much because of their stubborn formulations.  As long as my redness es around the nose and darkness es at the inner corners of my eyes are reduced , I do not care.   This performs just fine.


I painted my room and turn it into hobby room.  Soo lovely.  It looks perfect when you slave for it.

I spend considerable amount of time fixing my Canon Camera. It now focus on its own and nothing can hide my imperfections from it.  Awesome!

Start of Slappy Makeup Days

The trend can be resembled to messy hair does. Looks sexy, natural, effortless, quick, and absolutely suitable for anywhere. It is created to look fresh, rested, and beautiful but, at all times.

"At all times" is a big statement, so less but manageable is the key here.

To be honest with you, when I look at magazine ads or Oscar parties, "simple looks" boring. I search for sultry and inspiring.  After all, those people are hand picked.  So I would like to say "WOWWW, HOLLYY MOLLY", instead of "she looks gorgeous".

But for people on the run with everyday matters, hint of eyeliner or slap on smokey eye is secretive and adventurous.

To follow this trend, you need a makeup bag that you can carry anywhere. And of course you need some essentials.

I can list the must haves as:

1) Crease proof eye shadow base (there are so many varieties and just itself is enough to conceal and                                                                  brighten up the lids for a rested, fresh look)
2) Eyelash curler
3) Mascara ( go for a colorful one like brown or burgundy. These will not look sharp like ever blacks and                          they only reveal themselves under sunlight.  Such eye color poppers)
4) One step BB cream
5) Cream blush or powder
6) Lip gloss

Optionals:

1) Flat eye shadow brush
2) Three to four color eye shadow quad
3) Simple pencil eyeliner
4) Cream contour or powder
5) Duo fiber blending brush or classic blush brush

Of course, it is import not to get lazy and change the colors at least on a weekly basis.  Surprise is the key to beet the boredom and keep the inspiration flowing to your mind.  

Here is a video I would like to share.  Not my daily routine but just a very quick smokey eye look.  Actually this was for dinner with friends.  So it is a bit more than morning routines.  But I will continue to the series with seriously effortless looks.

Be Happy!

OHHHH NOOOOO! UNSTOPABLE WEIGHT GAIN ISSUE!

OK! Honestly, every time I weighed myself these last couple of months, I ended up staring at the scale as if it was out of this world! I decided to stop doing that because it made me panic.  I basically can not figure out "why? "


I admit that I, unnecessarily, did rush to try out the new, cool, waffle house (and couple more times for very important gossiping sessions). But, it does not make sense to gain 12 lbs in the last four months.  It is a bit shocking and all I can think is that this happened "all-of-a-sudden-out-of-nowhere".

You know what I mean?????----->>>>>>>>>




Looks like my new additions are not going anywhere with once in a while work out sessions and lets face it I love to eat. I am not going to bother myself with guilt trips just because I enjoyed waffles with my young and happy friends.

So new chapter in my life begins:  I am size 6 people.  My super sleek size 2 clothes can go f.. themselves or better yet find themselves new homes soon ( I am thinking about selling my nice pieces on Vinted).

I am moving onto new beginnings.  Now I have the whole package: the boobs, the hips, and the belly ( I prefer to tuck this portion in until I find the perfect high waist-ed garments). By the way, I like to dress according to my body. I do not insist on unsupported lace. I like hugging and forgiving tailoring rather than squeezing myself into 2 layers of spandex.

As shown on the amateur picture, I picked a 100% wool, good quality, easy to put on dress.  No, do not say boring.  What is the first thing that pops? Yesssssssss, the SHOESSSSSS.

Love and peace!

Rimmel London waterproof gel black liner / eyeliner application

I love this gel liner.It is the best one I have ever come across in terms of color intensity.  It is completely MATTE and the color is dead BLACK, not some slatish grey.  To me, it is a staple whether you use it everyday or occasionally.  It is sexy and all you need to accomplish an "effortless"/ "make up without makeup"/ "she is born with it" look. 

However, even though I love this product soo much and I do not ever want to use anything else, the application is a pain in the butt if you like to accomplish dramatic eyeliner looks.  The formulation is creamy, but dries fast due to waterproof formula. It works hassle free for the tail part if you move your brush towards the lash line instead of from lash line to the outer edge.  If I do not make sense, please watch the video but turn the audio off. 

I am one of those who has to work out in the morning.  After my routine, I do not feel like harassing my blood pumped, red face.  So just tinted sunscreen, some basic cream base shadow, this bebe, and curled lashes are all you need.  Seriously, you can even skip mascara. 

Ok, enjoy.  Will be back!

Spring hues

Well, I am personally overwhelmed from all the craziness going on with the eye make ups these days.  What is up with the skyscraper eyeliner?  It does not even look human. Yet, maintaining it....  Who can attempt to approach to your face? You can not even move a muscle.  Yet getting into french kisses?????

Ok, ok ---- I am a jealous bitch because I have hooded eyes.  and I love watching those videos with sultry cat eyeliners.

But for my sake, I focus on soft hues of the season.

First of all, let me put the picture of inspiration I come across on Kryolan website.  I am all over their makeup  
these days.  Is not she heavenly?And this is my version of it....  Of course, mine is done in a morning rush and to resist environmental factors up to 10 hours.

It is easy and looks awesome every time you check yourself in the mirror.

By the way I find a way for a quick eyeliner application.  Unfortunately after this video because eyeliner issue in this video outraged me.  I always mess up my eyeliner but this time enough was enough. I have worked on it over and over and finally I figured it out.  Eyeliner issue is going to be the subject of next post and video.

I wish everybody days full with confident looks.

Graftobian HD Glamour Creme Palette in Warm review

I can tell this is a great year for me.  I believe it in a childish way because I had an absolutely fantastic time at IMATS LA.

I had great purchases from dirt cheap brushed to powder to liquid transformers.  It is a great opportunity to have girls day out (only if they are make up obsessed as much as you are) and to discover what is out there. In fact, in events like this, I stay away from well known brands unless they have crazy deals.  I focus on brands I have never tried before.  

My recent discovery is Graftobian.  I am ashamed to say it but I also purchased Sigma Brushes for the first time. 

It feels like I am recommending a new foundation every month but I can not help it.  Promise of healthy, rested, flawless finish is to me equals to looking like Candice Snawepoel or even better. I am almost 34.5 years old now and I am really into perfecting skin rather than panda looking smokey eyes. Back in my early twenties, even putting eyeliner was a wow effect now the tails go up to the sky.  

Anyways, I should stay focus.  Graftobian.  The HD cream foundations are quite popular even used on Kim Kardashian.  Of course, I had to get it.

The palette's complete name is HD Glamour Creme Palette and I got the one in Warm.   I am a light to medium beige tone. 

Hard Core Facts:

1) Professional degree foundations, designed to last and photograph beautifully.

2) A suitable cream foundation for oily skin types.  In fact, you need to use a serious moisturizer. I only use Embryolisse  Lait Creme Concentre prior to this. Could you believe?  I mean if I do this with any other foundation.... Stay away from drying primers.  For this one, you need moisture.

3)  With a good moisturizer, the product glides on like a dream.  It is light weight and leaves an amazing finish. BUT, has to be set with a powder to stop gliding.  

4) I called it professional for this reason: you may not be used to work with this kind of texture.  The finish is amazing but it is not stable. So, you need to powder.  But, if you used too much of the cream product, it is going to cake up on you and make every single pore visible including the hairs on your skin. Even two layers is a lot for this foundation. Many people prefer to mix little bit of this product with their moisturizers to thin it for everyday use.    

5) It is suitable to use everyday.  I am personally against using powder to my face everyday and this product can not last without.  I used it almost everyday until I figured out how to use it and have not broken out once.  But for everyday, I still prefer Neutrogena foundations. 

6) It does not have spf in it.

7) Many people use this to highlight and contour.  Which is okay but to me contour colors need to be more on the toupey side. Using these foundation to contour is like using bronzer to contour. 

8) Palettes retail for $80 and individual colors retails for $20.  In palettes you get 18 shades and you can mix to find your exact color.  So if you have yellow undertones and if your skin color changes dramatically from summer to winter like me, palettes are great buy.

What I did wrong?

I tried using this as a contour palette.  It went all wrong.  I used a color for my entire face, another color to highlight and another to contour and then Graftobian HD powder foundations to set.  I sprayed Skindinavia setting spray.  The finish was incredible.  But then I looked at the mirror and it was like I had a mask on from 16th century.  I felt wasted.

Doing it right finally.......

• Moisture heavily.  Stay away from t-zone primers
• Buffing brush works best  
• You have to use one layer of foundation.  If you want to use it as a highlight and contour, remember to use sparingly and keep it one layer
• Use translucent powder to set everything.  The finer the better.  Ben Nye works good. 
• Also use a setting spray. And use lots of it.

Having said that, you need to do your eye make up following face make up which is another story. 

Nars Blush in Taj Mahal Review

When I first saw this color in Sephora, this was my first reaction: "Jesus".

It is a ritual to me to check Nars counter whenever I step into Sephora.  I have never ending platonic love situation with Nars, but I can not marry the brand (shop anything Nars online without a swatch) since I do not find it dependable at all times.  Sometimes it is totally faulty, sometimes it does not deliver any magic given the price tag, but when the brand does it right, you have to have it, you must have it, I love you, blah, blah, blah....

Usually, Nars counters in Sephora are similar and boring.  Some out of stock new collection items, and some cult favorites from the permanent line.  At first sight, I jump on the counter, play with pretty much everything on the display like Alice in Wonderland and then leave like a bad boy without any commitment.

However, Taj Majal was different.  I do not hear it much on Youtube.   Maybe because:

• It is winter and this can not be any more summary color, 
• It looks ridiculously orange 
• Within tens of Sephoras I have ever been, I only come across this color in Santa Monica branch.

I must say, I did not buy this color right after I swatch it.  At first, I said "Wow" but also scared.  It is pigmentation is more like an eye shadow density rather than a blush. In my opinion, it can not be used as a highlighter either because it simply is too orange.  It is a book definition of burnt orange with gold sheen, and if you are like me, do not know where to place your blush, it may transform you to a clown in no time.

Against all doubts,  I could not take my mind off the color.  I do not know why I get tempted by such difficult ones.  But I finally got it.

This photo, although looks painfully blur, taken after ten hours of carrying the brush. (At times exposed to California sun and wind).

Now to the summary...

Pros:

• One of a kind
• If it is a right match for your skin color and to your taste, well worth the money
• Good Nars product: the color transfer is exactly like in the pan, pigmented, buttery smooth, blendable, does not fade.
• It lifts the face.  The gold sheen gives the highlighter effect on higher points of the cheekbones, so one product performs as both highlight and a blush. 

Cons:

• Light handedly, light handedly, light handedly,....
• Good brush is a must and pay attention to buttery formula.  Good thing for an eye shadow but maybe hustling for a blush.  
• It is a smart product.  Meaning, rest of the colors you pick for your complete look has to match with the blush.  So blush retails for $30 but you may end up with few extras like a matching sheen, brownish red lipstick and warm brown eye shadows for a complete bronze goddess look. 

Useful tip: Once you lightly dip you blush brush into the product, swirl the brush at the back of your wrist before you place it directly on your face. This not only help you to eliminate excess but also warms up the product with your body heat and the distribution of the product on the brush becomes more even.  From there, you can repeat until you get the desired density.

Optional, based on preference: Instead of starting with apples of the cheeks, where people usually place their blushes, start under the cheek bones from ears and work towards center of the face while marrying the color with your bronzer.

Life after New Years....

So tired these days.  New Year started with too much pressure and worrying over things that are out of my control.  What to do on those days?  I try organizing my house and my schedule assuming this will help me get through things.


Home Organization

This is actually a crucial subject.  I used to think that cleaning is a waste of time.  As soon as I start living on my own, I realized that my room reflects my mood.  Being untidy is a state of mind.  Being in war with your living space is not a healthy thing.  You should feel at piece when you are home.  If you are staring in disgust to your kitchen counters, it is time for an action.

I just do not know how to handle this part though. First of all, it is not only me.  There is a messy husband involved who is better at cleaning but far worse than shooting the dirties into the bin. Untidiness is only one aspect of our situation.  Than there are things you can not even figure out the purpose of their existence.  For example, when we were in Turkey, we purchased a devise to cut chestnuts both ways at once to save time.  The problem is, we maybe bbq chestnuts once a year.  So what is the purpose of saving time from cutting chestnuts.   We are surrounded and trapped by excess.  I even have developed a phobia: whenever I entered to our garage, I am scared that I will discover a dead rat.  Thanks to investing heavily onto industrial strength shelves and shoe racks, I am getting over my phobia.

 Also, 'Small tiny boxes' strategy does not work for me because I can not remember where anything is.  Big size vacuumable  bags are awesome to save space.  It is funny that I don't even offer a pillow to my staying guests not to unvacuum one of those.

I would like to turn one of my guest rooms into a hobby room.  It is possible with a nice color on the walls and pieces of basic  furniture.  Maybe hanging a big size mirror and some light color on the wall can lighten up things.  I want to have my own space in my own house.

Exercise Issue

Ok, I am happy that I to him. But making a program for two is complicating things.  Now, I want to exercise. I have a super cool gym membership which I keep even during the most difficult financial times. But I can not go.  He wants to work out in the morning and he prefers to sleep. Every morning same thing.  No, I do not hate him just yet.  But, I think he deserves a punishment. How about I go after work and look smokin hot in no time?  Yes, I am my own solution.  I better get my lazy ass of the couch.

Healthy Diet Issue

There is nothing I want to quit.  Because I tried it and failed million times. But maybe I can manage sacrifices here and there.  As much as I can remember, I usually try to eliminate certain types of foods from my diet. Instead of cutting, how about I add food that I am supposed to eat.  I would never eat berries instead of chocolate. Instead of feeling guilty about eating chocolate, how about I add a bow of berries every day to my diet.  Ok sweety, here are the portions of healthy food you need to consume everyday on top of nasty ones.  I am assuming that in time I will be able to cut on unhealthy staff due to space limitation.  This is not a proven method. Do not take my word for it. But last night, I forced myself eating a bowl of mixed, fresh berries topped with plain yogurt and a table spoon of honey right before my tea and biscuits routine. Guess what happened?  It was so disgusting that by the time I finished the bowl, it was way passed my sleeping time.  So, I could not drink tea and eat biscuits.  Ok, cutting to the chase, drink water as much as you can. Probably, blotting will sort things out.

Clothing Issue

I have been through a lot last year.  Regular hormone shuts in efforts to get pregnant.  I could not get pregnant but I put on 12 pounds.  It is crazy really. Saved up money, spend it all for a disappointing result, and end up with hard to lose weight. I do not want to even think about it.  For now, my style is shabby chic, lots of dark something to cover up. But I am working on it.  For a better, happier person.

In my opinion ladies, everybody should exercise and pump oxygen to their cells. This is the only healthy, awesome way to increase your energy level, clear your mind, and get back on your feet.   And have fun doing it.  Does not matter what it is but remember to move.

Accomplishments will be posted.